Shroyer's 1,000th kill comes in big win

October 01, 2008In basketball, 3-pointers, lay-ups and free throws can add up to a lot of points. Many high schools hold 1,000-point scorers in high company.

Thursday, in high school volleyball, North Harrison's Wynn Shroyer sent a spike to her opponents floor for the 1,000th time in her four-year career as a Lady Cat. Making the mark a more special moment was the team it came against – Silver Creek.

"I think that kill was special for her because in varsity, we have lost to Silver Creek probably seven times," North Harrison coach Wes Briscoe said. "To reach that career milestone in a game like this, to beat a team that has beaten her is pretty special. She was crying when we gave her the ball and again when it was over. She is just a hard worker."

The landmark kill came in a key Mid-Southern Conference match on the Lady Cats' home court – a grinding 25-23, 26-24, 25-22, 26-24 win, which put them in prime position for a shot at the MSC title.

North Harrison found themselves in a hole in the third game, down 19-17 before mounting a comeback. A pair of Silver Creek hitting errors helped North Harrison tie the game at 21.

Then, a controversial call drew Silver Creek coach Jeff Zimmerman to the head official. Silver Creek outside hitter Lindsey Maymon spiked the ball down from the left side, but when she made contact with the ball, the official blew his whistle. The official initially called a back row hit, but reversed his decision upon debates with both coaches and granted Silver Creek the point.

"They jumped out big time, but the girls fought hard," Briscoe said. "After everything went down, we had a hop in our step for the first time all night."

Evidently,riling the Lady Cat faithful and bench ignited North Harrison. Briann Kiesler followed a Silver Creek serving error with an ace to give North Harrison a 23-22 lead. With its first lead since it was 3-2, North Harrison continued on a roll. Another Silver Creek hitting error gave the host a pair of game points, but all the Lady Cats needed was one. Caitlyn Janes sent down a kill, giving North Harrison momentum and a 2-1 lead for game four.

"It was one of the more boring volleyball matches because there weren't many big booming plays going on," Briscoe said. "Our side was really calm, going through the motions. Then, when the excitement happened, we got going."

For much of the first three games, neither team mounted a strong offense. North Harrison efficiently worked Silver Creek's strongest hitters – sisters Lindsey and Kristyn Maymon – to play more defense.

"We really tried to play their game," Briscoe said. "They came out tipping and rolling balls over our blockers and we did a real good job picking those up. It really wore us out."

The effort and intensity picked up in game four when the Lady Cats raced out to an 11-4 lead. With the lead, Shroyer hammered her 1,000th career kill to push the contest to 12-5.

Silver Creek responded with a 9-4 run to get within two points at 16-14. Brittany Rayborn and Kristyn Maymon blocked three straight winners to force Briscoe into a timeout.

North Harrison then steadied its play, continuing to play strong tireless defense to maintain a slight advantage. The Lady Dragons tied the match at 24, but two more errors cost the visitors, giving the Lady Cats the big win.

"Our girls are extremely tired because they played defense like crazy," Briscoe said. "We kind of attacked the game plan different from other coaches told me. They suggested keeping the ball away from the Maymon sisters, and for some reason, I went against what I was told to do. So, we went at them and they didn't pass the ball well tonight."

Shroyer finished the game with 16 kills to lead North Harrison.

"One thousand kills is an incredible number I cannot even explain at the high school level," Briscoe said. "You hear about basketball players getting 1,000 in a career. Everything she does is one point. So, she has put the ball on the floor 1,000 times. That is crazy."

Briscoe said Shroyer is looking to play college volleyball and is expected to make a decision at the end of the season.

"Once out of junior high, she stepped right into varsity and played the middle blocker position since. It is the toughest position on the court to play. Every year she gets better and better," Briscoe said.

Also for North Harrison, Angela Cassabella had eight kills followed by Kiesler and Janes with four each. The team had nine aces, led by three each from Kiesler and Janes.